The Minister for Provincial and Local-level Government Affairs, Soroi Marepo Eoe, MP, today in a statement announced that the Local-Level Government (LLG) Elections scheduled for July, has now been further deferred to September. The LLG Elections, scheduled to be conducted on the 25th of July 2024, has been further deferred to 26th September 2024 based upon advice from the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission (PNGEC), due to some issues and challenges that are beyond its control. Minister Eoe said whilst the National Government is committed to support the conduct of LLG Election 2024. There are certain issues and challenges that compelled the PNG Electoral Commission to seek deferral. These issues are very genuine and cannot be overlooked. The minister said the main reason for the deferral is due to the on-going 2024 National Census exercise, which affected the LLG Election preparation. He explained that the LLG Mangers appointed to be Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) for the LLG Election are currently becoming Coordinators of the National Census. Eoe said both the National Census and LLG Election are important National Events that cannot be conducted simultaneously at the same time. “National Statistical Office is currently utilizing Public Servants at the Provincial, District and LLG levels to conduct the Census. These are the same people PNG Electoral Commission will use to conduct the LLG Election. Since the National Census is still in progress, it is only proper that the LLG Election be delayed,” Minister Eoe said. Another reason which the minister said led to the decision to further defer on the LLG Elections, is the issues relating to proclamation and gazettal of new Wards and LLGs because the PNGEC need ample time and resources to do voter identification, movement and registration in those newly created LLGs and Wards. Minister Eoe stressed that given these challenges, it is only proper that the LLG Election be delayed and conducted after the National Census and issues highlighted are addressed. Minister Eoe said, “I am satisfied with the reasons for the deferral of the LLG Election. With the powers bestowed upon me by the relevant laws governing the LLG Election and acting on advice of the PNG Electoral Commission; I now approve and announce the following new LLG Election Dates. · Issue of Writs: Thursday, 26th September 2024 (4pm) · Nomination Close: Thursday, 03rd October 2024 (4pm) · Polling Starts: Saturday, 23rd November 2024 · Polling Ends: Friday, 6th December 2024 · Return of Writ on or before: Friday, 27th December 2024 Minister Eoe encourage PNGEC to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure all pending issues are addressed amicably to allow for the election to be conducted in September. As a key stakeholder in the elections, Ministry and Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs will continue to provide support to PNGEC for it to deliver a free, fair and safe 2024 LLG Election that meets the election standards.